ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Cabinet
Cabinet approves Memorandum of Understanding  between Indian Institute of Space science and Technology  and The Delft University of Technology , the Netherlands for research collaboration- reg
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Memorandum of Understanding  between Indian Institute of Space science and Technology  and The Delft University of Technology , for carrying out the Academic programmes and Research activities involving students and faculty members in each institution signed on April 09, 2021 and May 17, 2021 at respective institutes and exchanged by email.
Details of MoU:
- Students exchange programme: The Parties may exchange students at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral level. The Parties will mutually discuss and decide the areas of studies and credits to be pursued under the scheme. Both parties agree the Practicum exchange programme for degree training should follow the educational system and regulations of the hosting partner.
- Dual Degree/Double Degree programme: The Parties may develop specialized curriculum to be pursued by students for award of either undergraduate of postgraduate degree, which will be in addition to the initial degree to be awarded by the home Institute.
- Internships and project work: The Parties may design and develop research of engineering project assignments which will be pursued by students during their stay both short term and long term, in the partner institute.
- Faculty exchange: The Partiers may consider Faculty exchange programme during which their faculty member will offer courses in the partner institute, for which the course contents will be developed jointly.
- Joint Research: The faculty members of both parties may identify the joint research programme in common areas of interest with defined duration.
Benefits:
Signing of this Agreement shall enable pursuing the following potential interest areas of cooperation such as, exchange of faculty members, students and researchers, scientific materials, publications and information. Joint research meeting, PhD program, Dual Degree/Double Degree programme.
Cooperation with the EWI, TU Delft, The Netherlands an oldest and largest Dutch public Technological University through this Agreement would lead to develop a joint activity in research in the area of Science and Technology. Thus, all sections and regions of the country will get benefited.
The signed Agreement will provide impetus to explore newer research activities and application possibilities in the field of Science and Technology.
PIB Headquarters
PIB’S BULLETIN ON COVID-19
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- Nationwide Cumulative Vaccination Coverage exceeds 19 Crore
- India Conducts Highest ever 20.61 Lakh Tests in the last 24 hours; Sets Another New Record
- Daily Positivity Rate Declines to 12.59%
- Countrywide “AYUSH COVID -19 Counselling Helpline” is now operational
#Unite2FightCorona
#IndiaFightsCorona
PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
Nationwide Cumulative Vaccination Coverage exceeds 19 Crore
- India Conducts Highest ever 20.61 Lakh Tests in the last 24 hours; Sets Another New Record
- Daily Positivity Rate Declines to 12.59%
- Daily Recoveries Outnumber Daily New Cases for 8th Consecutive Day
- Less than 3 Lakh daily New Cases for five successive day
For Details: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1720526
Countrywide “AYUSH COVID -19 Counselling Helpline” operationalized
The toll-free number is 14443. The helpline is operational pan-India from 6 am to 12 midnight-all seven days of a week.Through the helpline 14443, experts from different streams of Ayush, namely Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani & Siddha would be available to address queries of the general masses. These experts would not only be providing counselling and feasible remedies to the patients but would also guide them about the availability of nearby Ayush facilities.
For Details : https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1720519
Ministry of Home Affairs Issues Advisory to States/Union Territories to Review Existing Facilities for Vulnerable Groups Taking into Account Second Wave of Covid-19
The Governmenthas been giving high priority on preventing and combating crimes against vulnerable sections of society, including women, children, senior citizens and Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes, and as well as for putting in place institutional mechanisms for preventing and countering human trafficking.
Taking into account the impact of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic particularly on vulnerable groups, the MHA has again reiterated to States/ Union Territories to focus on vulnerable sections, especially children who may have been orphaned due to loss of parents due to COVID-19. The MHA has asked States/Union Territories to undertake an immediate review of existing facilities for vulnerable groups, especially for children who have been orphaned, senior citizens who may require timely assistance and support , and members of the Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes who may need guidance to access Government support facilities.
For details; https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1720544
IMPORTANT TWEETS
PIB FACT CHCEK
Ministry of Finance
Rs 98 crore heroin seized at IGI Airport by Custom officials
Two Zambian Passengers who arrived at T-3, Indira Gandhi International  Airport, New Delhi, from O.R Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, via Doha by Qatar Airways Flight Nos. QR 1366 dated 14.04.2021 and QR 578 dated 14.04.2021 on 15.04.2021 were intercepted by the Customs Officers of this Airport after they crossed Green Channel and were approaching Exit Gate.
On the basis of profiling of sensitive routes and origins, they were asked whether they were carrying any contraband goods, to which they replied in negative. To verify their statements they were subjected to Door Frame Metal Detector  examination in which nothing objectionable was noticed. Their baggages were scanned through the X-ray Baggage Inspection Machine in which some suspicious/objectionable images were noticed. On detailed examination of their baggages before two independent witnesses, 7 kg each, totally weighing 14 kg of white colour powder/granules, were recovered, which were concealed in specially cavities of their checked-in baggages. Representative samples of the recovered substance was subjected to Modified Drug Detection Kit which prima facie confirmed the recovered substances to be Heroin. The value of the recovered substances, suspected to be Heroin was estimated to be Rs. 98 crore. During interrogation they accepted their guilt.
A Panchnama and subsequently a Seizure Memo were drawn at the spot. The recovered goods and concealing & packing materials were seized under Section 43 of the NDPS Act, 1985 for violation of Section 8 and 23 of the Act ibid as these were found to be liable for confiscation under Section 60 of the NDPS Act, 1985.
Both the passengers have been arrested. Further investigation in the matter is under progress.
Ministry of Corporate Affairs
IICA conducts Orientation & Learning Summit for Independent Directors of CPSEs in New Delhi
The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs  organised the Orientation & Learning Summit for Independent Directors of CPSEs on 5th and 6th October in New Delhi — under the aegis of Department of Public Enterprises  and with the knowledge partnership of Capacity Building Commission .
The summit opened with addresses from Shri Praveen Kumar, Director General & CEO of IICA; Shri Animesh Bharti, Economic Advisor, DPE; Dr. Anup K. Pujari, former Secretary, Government of India; and Dr. Niraj Gupta, Head of the School of Corporate Governance & Public Policy, IICA. The inaugural addresses stressed the need for a more proactive role of Independent Directors on CPSE boards for their good governance practices, better performance, and enhanced contribution to the national developmental goals.
The summit covered various facets of board governance. Attendees explored the nuances of board governance, the effectiveness of Independent Directors in CPSEs, their roles in CSR and Audit Committees, and delved into the regulatory framework surrounding their responsibilities. Interactive panels, open houses, insights into board meeting preparations, and an exploration of board dynamics versus management relations were also discussed as per agenda.
Other eminent speakers include Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee, former Secretary, Govt. of India; Nawshir Mirza, professional Independent Director; Anupam Kulshrestha, former Deputy CAG of India; Dr. Anil Kumar, Independent Director, Life Insurance Corporation; and Dr. Anil Khandelwal, ex-chairperson, Bank of Baroda.
Election Commission
Bye Election to the Council of States -Deferment of election
There is one casual vacancy in the Council of States as per the details below:
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Name of State
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Name of the member
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Cause of vacancy
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Date of Vacancy
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Term upto
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Kerala
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Shri Jose K. Mani
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Resignation
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11.01.2021
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01.07.2024
2. As per the provisions of Section 151A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the vacancy are required to be filled, through bye election within six months from date of occurrence of vacancy, provided that remainder of the term in relation to the vacancy is one year or more.
3. The Commission has reviewed the matter today and has decided that due to outbreak of the second wave of COVID-19 in the country, it would not be appropriate to hold the said bye election till the pandemic situation significantly improves and conditions become conducive to hold above mentioned bye-election.
4. The Commission will take a decision in the matter at appropriate time in the future after taking inputs from the concerned states and assessing the pandemic situation from mandated authorities like NDMA/SDMA.
SBS/AC
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Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Process of appointment of new CIC and ICs is on: Dr Jitendra Singh
The Union Minister of State , Development of North Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today that the process of appointment of new Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners is on.
The Chief Information Commissioner in Central Information Commission has completed his tenure on 26.08.2020. One Information Commissioner is completing his tenure on 25.09.2020. Government had initiated the process to fill up the vacancy in a timely manner by way of issuing the advertisements to fill up the post of Chief Information Commissioner and up to 6 posts of Information Commissioners in the Central Information Commission on 09.07.2020.
The High level Search Committee follows a method of obtaining relevant information in respect of various candidates while scrutinization of applications and shortlists the candidates for the post of Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners in the Central Information Commission
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SNC
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Ministry of Finance
Education Loans
The Reserve Bank of India  has advised all Scheduled Commercial Banks to adopt Education Loan Scheme, formulated by Indian Banks’ Association , vide Circular RPCD.PLNFS. BC. NO.83/06.12.05/2000-01 dated April 28,2001.
IBA has formulated and circulated to all Member Banks including State Bank of India  a ‘Model Education Loan Scheme’ for providing financial support to meritorious students for pursuing higher education in India and abroad. Salient features of the Scheme inter-alia include;
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- Loan upto Rs 10 lakh for study in India and upto Rs 20 lakh for studyabroad.
- Collateral free loans upto Rs 7.5 Lakh under the Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Education Loans .
- No Margin for loan up to Rs 7.50Lakh.
- Repayment period of 15years
- One Year Moratorium for repayment after completion of studies in allcases,
- Moratorium taking into account spells of unemployment/under-employment, say two or three times during the life cycle of theloan
- Moratorium for the incubation period if the student wants to take up a start-up venture aftergraduation.
The IBA scheme provides broad guidelines to the banks to operationalise the Educational Loan Scheme. However, the implementing banks may vary their products as may be required.
As per IBA Model Scheme, approved courses leading to Graduate/Post-Graduate Degree and P G Diploma conducted by Colleges/Universities recognized by the University Grants Commission , the All India Council for Technical Education , the Indian Council of Medical Research , etc. are eligible for educationloan.
SBI and other Nationalised Banks are granting education loan for Post-Graduation Diploma Courses conducted by the colleges and approved by AICTE without any discrimination.
As per the information furnished by SBI, the State-Wise Education Loan sanctioned and disbursed by SBI for pursuing Degree and Diploma Courses inside and outside the country during each of the last three years and the current year are at Annexure I &II.
This was stated by the Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Click here to see Annexure – I Annexure – II
Ministry of Science & Technology
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh asks DST to set up a world class India's first National S&T Research University
Union Minister of State  Science & Technology, Minister of State  Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today said that the Department of Science & Technology  should make efforts to set up first-of-its-kind National Science & Technology Research University, by leveraging the research strength of its different Autonomous Research & Development Institutions working in the field of science and technology.
Addressing the scientists and officers at Technology Bhawan , Dr.Jitendra Singh said, India today has attained top 3rd global ranking in terms of research publications and global number 9 in the quality of research publications in the world's reputed and recognised SCI Journals. Even though, he said, India's global ranking in the quality of research papers has improved from number 14 to number 9, our concerted effort should be to rise among the first global number 5 in quality research papers when India celebrates 75 years of its independence.
The Minister referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's special focus on Science and Technology and said it was with the Prime Minister’s personal intervention that in 2016, the patent law was made less regulatory and more incentive oriented, which not only leads to ease of working but also reduces time taken for improving the patents. Not only this, over the last 7 years there has been a progressive increase in the number of resident patents filed, number of Full Time Equivalent  researchers and number of women scientists, he added.
The Minister emphasized the need for focusing on increasing numbers of beneficiaries in human resource related schemes like MANAK, INSPIRE, Doctoral and post-doctoral Fellowships, and other schemes.
Further emphasizing the need for projecting DST’s success stories when India celebrates it 75th year of Independence, i.e. Bharat Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Minister asked DST to come forward with some big targets and plans for 2022. It turned out that in the 75th year of Independence in 2022, DST will target for the launch of 7,500 STI based Start-Ups, 750,000 students of 6-10 classes participating in the MANAK Award programmes. In addition, under the Vigyan Jyoti scheme, DST will target 75,000 girl students getting benefit of the scheme by 2022. Dr.Jitendra Singh appealed to all the institutions and scientists of DST to wholeheartedly participate in the 75th year of India’s Independence to celebrate what science and scientists have contributed to India all these years.
Earlier, the Minister was welcomed by Secretary, DST Prof Ashutosh Sharma, along with others including Prof Sandeep Verma, Secretary SERB, Vishvajit Sahai, AS&FA, Anju Bhalla, JS , Sunil Kumar, JS  and Dr Akhilesh Gupta, Head, PCPM. Besides, Chief Controller of Account, HoDs of scientific divisions and officers of the administrative wings of the Department attended the meeting.
Ministry of Defence
Visit of Rear Admiral Jacques Fayard, French Joint Forces Commander in the Indian Ocean  to HQWNC on 29 Mar 21
A French naval delegation headed by Rear Admiral Jacques Fayard, French Joint Forces Commander in the Indian Ocean  called on Vice Admiral Hari Kumar, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command at Mumbai today, 29 Mar 21. During the interaction, growing cooperation between both the navies on maritime issues and enhanced interoperability for focused maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region were discussed. The present interaction is significant as the the annual bilateral exercise 'Varuna' is scheduled to be held between Indian Navy and French Navy’s Carrier Strike Group during April 2021.
During the recent past, there has been enhanced bilateral cooperation between India and France, especially in the domain of maritime security. Interactions between India and France have evolved into a strong partnership based on mutual aspirations. The regular conduct of bilateral exercises, goodwill visits by ships and high level delegation visits involving both the navies are indicative of growth in mutual cooperation and jointmanship.
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Ministry of Defence
NATIONWIDE AIR FORCE CENTENARY MARATHON 2019
Kolkata: 10 April 2019
A Centenary Half Marathon is planned to be organized on 14 Apr 2019 at all Air Force stations nationwide, including Air Force Station Barrackpore, to propagate the accomplishments of the legendary Marshal of the Indian Air Force among the Air Force Personnel and also to inculcate camaraderie and sportsmanship.
The mega event is aimed at participation of over 100 air warriors each at 100 Air Force stations running 21 kms simultaneously, making it one of the largest participated events involving more than 10,000 Indian Air Force personnel running at the same time across the length and breadth of the nation. Air Force station Barrackpore is a major Air base in the Eastern Air Command, where the event is being organized under the command of Group Captain AS Parandekar.
Marshal of the IAF Arjan Singh DFC is an icon of India’s military history who had assiduously led the IAF during 1965 war. He was awarded ‘Padma Vibhushan’’ for his astute leadership of the IAF during the war. A fearless and exceptional pilot who had flown over 60 different types of aircraft and kept his flying currency till his CAS rank. Subsequently, he also served as a diplomat & advisor to the Indian Govt. He has been a source of inspiration to all personnel of Armed Forces.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister inaugurates Sardar Vallabhai Patel Zoological Park
Lays Foundation Stone for various projects under Integrated Development of Kevadia
Flags-off Ekta Cruise Service to the Statue of Unity
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated Sardar Patel Zoological Park and Geodesic Aviary Dome in Kevadia. He dedicated to the nation 17 projects under Integrated Development of Kevadia and laid the foundation Stone for 4 new Projects. The projects include Navigation Channel, New Gora Bridge, Garudeshwar Weir, Government Quarters, Bus Bay Terminus, Ekta Nursery, Khalwani Eco Tourism, Tribal Home Stay. He flaged-off of the Ekta Cruise Service to the Statue of Unity.
Jungle Safari & Geodesic Aviary Dome
The Prime Minister said “The Fly High Indian Aviary would be a treat for those interested in birdwatching. Come to Kevadia and visit this aviary, which is a part of the Jungle Safari Complex. It will be a great learning experience.”
The Jungle Safari is in the state of the art zoological park spread over an area of 375 acres at seven different levels ranging from 29 to 180 meters. It has more than 1100 Birds & Animals and 5 lakh plants. It is the fastest ever built Jungle Safari. The zoological park has two aviaries - one for domestic birds and another for exotic birds. It is the world’s largest geodesic dome for aviary. The aviaries would be enclosed by a petting zone which would provide a unique touch, feel and exhilarating experience of cuddling the animals like Macaw, Cockatoo, Rabbits, Guinea Pig, etc.
Ekta Cruise Service
Through the Ekta Cruise Service one can experience the viewing of Statue of Unity through the Ferry Boat Service from Shrestha Bharat Bhavan to Statue of Unity by covering a distance of 6 km. The 40 min ride can be covered by a boat which can ferry 200 passengers at a time. New Gora Bridge is built especially for the operation of the ferry service. Boating Channel is constructed to provide boating services to tourists visiting the Statue of Unity.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister salutes Nari Shakti
Says energy infused by Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam is going to further strengthen the resolutions of Amritkaal
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has saluted the women power and said that wherever he went in Baba Vishwanath's city Kashi, he was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm shown by mothers, sisters and daughters. Shri Modi futher added that the energy that the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam has filled in them is going to further strengthen the resolutions of Amritkaal.
In a X post, the Prime Minister said;
“नारी शक्ति को नमन!
बाबा विश्वनाथ की नगरी में आज जहां भी गया, वहां माताओं-बहनों और बेटियों का जिस प्रकार का उत्साह दिखा, वह अभिभूत कर गया। नारी शक्ति वंदन अधिनियम ने हमारे इन परिवारजनों के भीतर जो ऊर्जा भरी है, वो अमृतकाल के संकल्पों को और दृढ़ करने वाली है।”
Prime Minister's Office
PM’s reply to the motion of thanks on the President’s Address in the Rajya Sabha
PM’s reply to the motion of thanks on the President’s Address in the Rajya Sabha
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
IIT Kharagpur to set-up an MSME Hub for Healthcare Technologies in collaboration with Department of Scientific and Industrial Research
Kolkata, February 01, 2019
Indian Institute of Technology  Kharagpur is going to set-up an Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises  Hub for Healthcare Technologies in collaboration with Department of Scientific and Industrial Research . The initiative will be aligned with the upcoming 400-bed super specialty hospital at IIT Kharagpur.
In a press conference here today, Prof. Suman Chakraborty, Head of School of Medical Science and Technology, IIT Kharagpur said that, the projects related to Common Research and Technology Development Hub, involves identifying the MSMEs and their specific need in the healthcare and medical sector. He emphasized that IIT Kharagpur has a name for itself in the domain of high-end research, scientific know-how and technological research. He said that the IIT Kharagpur has worked in medical domain specific to medical science and technology training and helped in cost-effective solutions for affordable and accessible healthcare and medical sector. He said that the emphasis is on connecting technology from laboratory to the medical domain. Prof. Chakraborty emphasized that aspects related to the medical market identification and manufacturing which are technology driven will result in efficient and effective business and economic development. In the value chain of business and economy of MSMEs, the technology know-how and utility is quintessential for better overall result, he said.
Dr. Satadal Saha, Visiting Professor at the School of Medical Science and Technology at IIT Kharagpur, informed that the initiative will enable accessibility of high-end medical technology to people. He emphasized that it will transform lives of people in health care and quality health care in the medical domain. The MSMEs will be involved in the value chain of technology ecosystem in medical sector, he said. Dr. Saha emphasised Technology and science plays a pivotal role in development of the country. The Economy and the business will have positives of the rural medical development resulting from the technology utility in day to day work of MSMEs, he said.